Sacrifice. Endurance. Fortitude. The stuff heroes are made of. And they all come down to one factor: laying one’s life on the altar.
In war-ravaged Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see an uncommon valor when translators, Bible storytellers, pastors — propelled by the love of God — go “back” into dangerous areas to take God’s Word to the hurting. They’re free. They’re out of harm’s way. But they return. And they go to great lengths to “infiltrate” the enemy’s occupied territory with God’s Truth. They have to look like they belong there. So they “dress” for the occasion.
The ragged-looking, unkempt men make their way through the jungle, sleeping outside, grappling for food, dodging bandits on patrol — they must stay alive. They’re driven. They have a Story to tell. They have to get to the next village.
The field coordinator for this devastated country said it reminded him much of when Jesus spoke with His disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Things looked bleak. All around them was despair. Then Jesus appeared. He encouraged them — gave them hope for the future. He had the words of life.
They had to tell somebody. Everybody.
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:12-14, NLT).
You can find out more about The Seed Company DRC Trauma Healing Project by clicking here. You can also learn how to pray for the DRC and local translators by clicking here.
Great post!
Congolese translators also answer another question which I head from time to time: Why translate the Bible where people are hungry or have other pressing needs? The best answer, perhaps, is that is that those actually living in those difficult circumstances prioritize Bible translation.
Thanks Foibled. That’s a really great angle on this story.
It would be so hard to concentrate on the challenging work of translation in a difficult environment like that. This article gives me a new focus of prayer for these passionate followers of Christ. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you Jon! We certainly appreciate your prayers – not to mention these DRC translators who covet your prayers. God bless you.
This story actually reminded me of Jesus, in the last week of his life, deciding to go back to Jerusalem even though it was extremely dangerous and He knew He would lose his life. He did it anyway, because of what was at stake and because He knew His message was that important! These courageous men remind me of that, and I am humbled and inspired by their story. Thanks for sharing.
Great work Mrs Matthews! Praise be to God for all you and your company are doing!